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Our Staff
Our dedicated, caring, and educated teachers and staff are at the heart of all we do. They bring over 150 years of combined teaching experience at The Children's Center, many with years of teaching experience before joining our team. Almost all, like you, selected The Children's Center for their own children. Their incredible commitment to early childhood education along with their philosophical alignment to our Mission and Vision bring a consistency of education across all ages and classes.
Meet Our Teachers and Staff
Christy Tornelli, Director
This April marks 15 years at TCC! She earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations from The University of Texas at Austin and loves supporting young children as they grow and learn. Outside of school, she enjoys watercolor painting, film photography, and traveling with her husband and two daughters.
Laurie Darlak, Curriculum Coordinator
This year marks 11 years at TCC! She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from University of New Orleans. Prior to joining TCC, she taught at St. Monica Catholic School and Fairhill School. She loves to travel and explore the world and previously lived in Brussels, Belgium.
Kim Garvin, Admissions Coordinator
This is her first year at TCC, but she has been a longtime member of the TCC community. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Texas State University and brings a background in marketing, sales, and account management. She is happiest when she has a creative project in the works - crafting is her favorite way to unwind.
Leslie Brooks, Teaching Assistant
She is TCC’s longest-tenured employee and is celebrating 26 years with the school. She attended Highland Park High School and studied at Brookhaven College and Richland College. She brings years of experience, dedication, and most importantly - fun to TCC!
Kristi Florence, 5-Day Pre K
This year marks 25 years at TCC! She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from Baylor University. At home, she loves game nights and a little friendly competition.
Suzanne Frankenfeld, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 5 years at TCC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Purdue University and her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from University of North Texas. She grew up in Speedway, Indiana, just minutes from the Indianapolis 500 racetrack!
Betsy Heffernan, 4-Day
This year marks 5 years at TCC. She earned her Bachelor of Science from The University of Alabama and her M.Ed. and teaching certification from Texas A&M University–Commerce. She is a big college football fan - Roll Tide!
Megan Hiltabidle, 4-Day
This year marks 20 years at TCC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland. Her mom founded and ran a preschool for 37 years, inspiring her passion for early childhood education.
Colleen Inman, 4-day
She is celebrating 9 years as a teacher at TCC and has been part of the community even longer. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University. At home, she is all in - whether it is coaching a team, hosting a party, baking treats, chaperoning, or running carpool, she is always first in line.
Laura Irving, Transitional Kindergarten
This year marks 20 years at TCC. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Boston University, her M.A. from DePaul University, and also studied at Tulane University. A New Orleans native, she loves celebrating Mardi Gras with her students.
Alli Jelen, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 2 years at TCC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Art History and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In her free time, she enjoys being outdoors and staying active.
Katie Levy, 2-Day
She has been part of the TCC community for 8 years, including 3 years as an assistant and 2 years in the classroom. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Texas at Austin and her MBA from Southern Methodist University. Outside of school, she is often in the kitchen baking something delicious.
LouAnn McNaughton, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 3 years at TCC. She studied Business at Oklahoma State University. Outside of school, she loves painting, decorating, and creating fun spaces.
Jennifer Morgan, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 2 years at TCC. She focused her college studies on Early Childhood Development in Colorado and continued her education after moving to Texas. She has many years of experience working with children through her church and as a nanny. Born and raised in Colorado, she and her family love to ski!
Denisa Odegaard, 2-Day & 3-Day
This year marks 2 years at TCC. She studied at University of Westminster in London, United Kingdom. Outside of school, her family loves traveling - especially road trips, including one that lasted five weeks!
Catherine Peterson, Math Teacher
This year marks 7 years at TCC. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from University of North Texas and holds her Early Childhood through Fourth Grade teaching certification. She and her sister welcomed baby boys on the same day, just one hour apart, at the same hospital.
Ellie Raney, Teaching Assistant
This year marks 2 years at TCC. She earned her Sociology degree from Texas Woman's University and is an AMI-certified Montessori assistant for ages 0–3. She and her family spent a year living in Ireland, embracing the adventure of life abroad.
Ruth Ramirez, Spanish Teacher
This year marks 6 years at TCC. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School and studied at The University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Woman's University, earning her degree in Math and Early Childhood Education. She loves staying active - especially practicing inversions.
Amanda Ritchie, 3-Day
This year marks 3 years at TCC. She studied at Oklahoma State University, is a Texas Certified Early Childhood Teacher, and brings over 10 years of experience in education. A former public school teacher and proud PTA parent, she truly believes it takes a village.
Amanda Sevak, Music Teacher
She has been part of TCC for 13 years, including 4 years as our music teacher. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Performance Studies from Northwestern University. She even recorded an original children’s album titled A Day in the Park.
Whitney Wagner, Literacy Teacher
She is celebrating 4 years at TCC. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Special Education from Miami University, holds a Literacy Coaching certification from Lesley University, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She played Division I field hockey in college and still brings that competitive spirit with her.
Erin Walker, 5-day
She is in her 9th year teaching at TCC and her 13th year in the TCC community. A former TCC parent, she has served as a room parent, Parent Sponsor, Carnival Chair, and Board member. She earned her BBA from Southern Methodist University and was on the ski team in high school in Michigan.
Liz Ward, 2-Day
She is in her 2nd year at TCC. She earned her Bachelor of Science from The University of Texas at Austin and her Master’s in Early Literacy from Southern Methodist University and holds her EC–6 ESL certification. She attended TCC as a child - and so did her dad!
Jessica Vollrath, Art Teacher
She is in her first year and a half at TCC. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Howard University and her Master of Fine Arts from Texas Woman's University. She’s known for her impressive vocal impressions and isn’t afraid to put on a show - a talent her students especially enjoy.
Anna Wrightsman, 4-day
She is celebrating 14 years at TCC. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Iowa State University. English was not her first language - a journey that has shaped her perspective and passion for learning.
Jordan Turner, 2017-present
" The TCC difference starts with the teachers. The teacher meets your child, for the first time, at your home so that they get to meet a new person in their safe space. My sons love showing their teachers their room and favorite toys. When the pandemic hit the teachers stood outside the school to hand us packets to help us keep the kids learning and engaged and are always find ways to work collaboratively together ”
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